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m.combrinck m.combrinck
1 reviews | Active since Sept 2016
21 Jan 2026, 15:32
Failing to Deliver on Cover Promised
I signed up with Discovery Health for 2026, and made certain that my PMB is covered and that there is no waiting period linked to my cover like there is on my Day to Day benefits (for unknown reasons since I've been on medical aid, concurrently) for more than 8 years.
My doctor has submitted my PMB application, and it has been pending for more than a week. (BestMed reviewed and finalised my application in less than 3 working days). I've been told that the process can take up to 7-14 working days, which leaves me high and dry in terms of my chronic medication, because it can't be paid by my day to day (waiting period) nor can it be claimed under chronic conditions.
Prepare yourself when you move. You will be paying out of your ears for benefits that you won't get for 3 months.
Helpful (0)
Replies (5)0
Replies (5)
Discovery Health's replyOfficial
22 Jan 2026, 06:14Dear Marcelle C
We’ve noted your concerns and we’re investigating the matter. We’ll contact you with feedback as soon as possible.
Regards
Discovery Health Servicing Team
Discovery Health's reply22 Jan 2026, 06:14
Official
Dear Marcelle C
We’ve noted your concerns and we’re investigating the matter. We’ll contact you with feedback as soon as possible.
Regards
Discovery Health Servicing Team
mm
m.combrinck m.combrinck's updateReviewer Update
24 Jan 2026, 10:53Amazing, by when can I expect feedback?
"As soon as possible" can be another 4 week wait
"As soon as possible" can be another 4 week wait
mm
m.combrinck m.combrinck's update24 Jan 2026, 10:53
Reviewer Update
Amazing, by when can I expect feedback?
"As soon as possible" can be another 4 week wait
"As soon as possible" can be another 4 week wait
Discovery Health's replyOfficial
26 Jan 2026, 16:54Dear Marcelle C
We have been in touch with you to answer your comments.
Regards
Discovery Health Servicing Team
Discovery Health's reply26 Jan 2026, 16:54
Official
Dear Marcelle C
We have been in touch with you to answer your comments.
Regards
Discovery Health Servicing Team
mm
PMBs are a feature of the Medical Schemes Act, in terms of which medical schemes have to cover the costs related to the diagnosis, treatment and care of... "
Not only is Discovery Health circumventing the Medical Schemes act, but they are falsely advertising benefits and the cover the will provide. I explicitely stated I have a pre-existing condition, and explicitely confirmed that my PMBs will have no waiting period.
I will be moving to an ACTUAL medical aid, and away from some branding exercise that just takes your money and doesn't deliver.
Should anyone else have this problem, you can also lodge a complaint to both the CMS and the CPA here:
https://www.medicalschemes.co.za/consumer-assistance/complaintsprocedure/
https://thencc.org.za/complaints/
m.combrinck m.combrinck's updateReviewer Update
28 Jan 2026, 16:48My application for my prescribed minimum benefit has been pushed out for "further review" to only be "activated by 1 May 2026". According to the CMS:
"Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs) are a set of defined benefits to ensure that all medical scheme members have access to certain minimum health services, regardless of the benefit option they have selected. The aim is to provide people with continuous care to improve their health and well-being and to make healthcare more affordable.
PMBs are a feature of the Medical Schemes Act, in terms of which medical schemes have to cover the costs related to the diagnosis, treatment and care of... "
Not only is Discovery Health circumventing the Medical Schemes act, but they are falsely advertising benefits and the cover the will provide. I explicitely stated I have a pre-existing condition, and explicitely confirmed that my PMBs will have no waiting period.
I will be moving to an ACTUAL medical aid, and away from some branding exercise that just takes your money and doesn't deliver.
Should anyone else have this problem, you can also lodge a complaint to both the CMS and the CPA here:
https://www.medicalschemes.co.za/consumer-assistance/complaintsprocedure/
https://thencc.org.za/complaints/
mm
m.combrinck m.combrinck's update28 Jan 2026, 16:48
Reviewer Update
My application for my prescribed minimum benefit has been pushed out for "further review" to only be "activated by 1 May 2026". According to the CMS:
"Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs) are a set of defined benefits to ensure that all medical scheme members have access to certain minimum health services, regardless of the benefit option they have selected. The aim is to provide people with continuous care to improve their health and well-being and to make healthcare more affordable.
PMBs are a feature of the Medical Schemes Act, in terms of which medical schemes have to cover the costs related to the diagnosis, treatment and care of... "
Not only is Discovery Health circumventing the Medical Schemes act, but they are falsely advertising benefits and the cover the will provide. I explicitely stated I have a pre-existing condition, and explicitely confirmed that my PMBs will have no waiting period.
I will be moving to an ACTUAL medical aid, and away from some branding exercise that just takes your money and doesn't deliver.
Should anyone else have this problem, you can also lodge a complaint to both the CMS and the CPA here:
https://www.medicalschemes.co.za/consumer-assistance/complaintsprocedure/
https://thencc.org.za/complaints/
Discovery Health's replyOfficial
16 Feb 2026, 15:34Dear Marcelle C
We have been in touch with you to answer your comments.
Regards
Discovery Health Servicing Tea
Discovery Health's reply16 Feb 2026, 15:34
Official
Dear Marcelle C
We have been in touch with you to answer your comments.
Regards
Discovery Health Servicing Tea